# Sign Regulations in Arlington, Washington

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Arlington, Washington, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Arlington, Washington (WA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/washington/arlington
- **Data last verified:** 2026-05-15
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/WA/Arlington/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=TIT20ZO_CH20.68SI)

## At a glance

Arlington, Washington regulates 85 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Frontage/Entry Signs) - NCs in the NC - neighborhood commercial zoning district are capped at 6 feet max height from ground level in NC. tall and Absolute caps: <200 ft -> 50 sq ft; 200-<400 -> 75 sq ft; >=400 -> 100 sq ft (plus 0.3 × linear ft baseline)., with a Setbacks per 20.48.040. setback (Sec. 20.68.250(a)-(i), 20.68.280(a)-(d), 20.68.045, 20.68.010). Most commercial signs in Arlington require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (18 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| RULC - Residential ultra low capacity | 13 | No sign may be placed higher than second story windowsill level for buildings with more than one story (upper floor window signs only for businesses exclusively above first floor). No sign may be placed on/above cornice line for one-story with cornice. No sign may be placed higher than highest point of roof for one-story with parapet. No sign on any roof surface except roof surfaces at an angle of 75 degrees or more treated as wall space. Flush-mounted wall sign may project no more than 12 inches from wall. | Per formula caps: <200 ft frontage: 50 sq ft max per single side; 200-<400 ft: 75 sq ft max per single side; >=400 ft: 100 sq ft max per single side. Plus 0.3 sq ft per linear ft baseline. | — |
| RLC - Residential low capacity | 13 | No sign may be placed higher than second story windowsill level for buildings with more than one story (upper floor window signs only for businesses exclusively above first floor). No sign may be placed on/above cornice line for one-story with cornice. No sign may be placed higher than highest point of roof for one-story with parapet. No sign on any roof surface except roof surfaces at an angle of 75 degrees or more treated as wall space. Flush-mounted wall sign may project no more than 12 inches from wall. | Max single-side cap by frontage: <200 ft=50 sq ft; 200-<400=75 sq ft; >=400=100 sq ft; plus 0.3 sq ft per linear foot baseline. | — |
| R-MOD - Residential moderate capacity (RMod) | 13 | 6 feet max height from ground level. | 50/75/100 sq ft caps by frontage plus 0.3 sq ft per linear ft baseline. | — |
| RMC - Residential medium capacity (RMC) | 13 | 6 ft max height from ground level. | 50/75/100 sq ft caps by frontage plus 0.3 sq ft per linear ft baseline. | — |
| OTR - Old Town Residential (OTR) | 13 | 6 feet max from ground level. | 50/75/100 sq ft cap by frontage plus 0.3 sq ft per linear ft baseline. | — |
| RHC - Residential high capacity | 13 | 6 feet max. | 50/75/100 sq ft caps plus 0.3 sq ft/linear ft baseline. | — |
| NC - neighborhood commercial | 11 | For buildings with more than one story: no sign higher than the second story windowsill level (upper floor window signs only for businesses exclusively above first floor). One-story cornice: no sign on/above cornice line. One-story parapet: no sign higher than highest point of roof. No roof surface sign except roof surfaces at angle >=75° regarded as wall space. Flush-mounted wall sign projection max 12 inches from building wall. | Max 300 sq ft per commercial establishment; also includes wall sign percentage cap: wall sign(s) may not exceed 20% of total wall surface area including windows/doors but excluding major projections such as awnings. | — |
| GC - general commercial (GC) | 11 | 15 feet max height from ground level in GC. | Absolute caps: <200 ft=50 sq ft; 200-<400=75 sq ft; >=400=100 sq ft plus 0.3×linear ft baseline. | — |
| OTBD-1 Zone | 11 | 15 feet max height from ground level. | 300 sq ft max per commercial establishment. Wall sign(s) max area also limited by 20% of wall area including windows/doors but excluding major projections such as awnings; and in OTBD-1 where signs are not allowed above certain height under 20.68.340, the 20% must be calculated based solely on the area below that height limitation. | — |
| OTBD-2 Zone | 11 | 15 feet max height from ground level. | Max 300 sq ft per commercial establishment; wall sign(s) limited to 20% of wall area including windows/doors but excluding major projections such as awnings. If signs not allowed above certain height under 20.68.440, then 20% calculated based only on area below that height limitation. | — |
| OTBD-3 Zone | 11 | 15 feet max height from ground level. | 300 sq ft max per commercial establishment; wall sign limited to 20% of wall surface area including windows/doors but excluding major projections such as awnings. If signs not allowed above certain height per 20.68.440, then 20% calculated based solely on area below that height limitation. | — |
| HC - highway commercial (HC) | 11 | Except for signs fronting Interstate 5: 15 ft max height from ground level. Signs fronting Interstate 5 may have height up to 45 ft. | Total caps by first floor size: 500/600/750/1,000 sq ft; single wall sign max 500 sq ft; wall sign area limited to max 20% of wall area including windows/doors but excluding major projections such as awnings. | — |
| BP - business park (BP) | 11 | 6 feet max height from ground level. | Max 500 sq ft total sign surface area per commercial establishment. Wall sign limited to 20% of wall area (including windows/doors; excluding major projections such as awnings). | — |
| GI - general industrial (GI) | 11 | 6 feet max from ground level. | 500 sq ft max per commercial establishment; wall sign max 20% of wall area (incl windows/doors excluding major projections like awnings). | — |
| LI - light industrial (LI) | 11 | 6 feet max height from ground level. | 500 sq ft max per commercial establishment; wall sign max 20% of wall area. | — |
| MS Zone | 6 | 6 feet max height from ground level. | 500 sq ft max total per commercial establishment; wall sign(s) max 20% of wall area. | — |
| AF Zone | 7 | 6 feet max height from ground level. | 500 sq ft max total per commercial establishment; wall sign(s) max 20% of wall area. | — |
| P/SP Zone | 6 | 15 feet max height from ground level. | 500 sq ft max total per commercial establishment; wall sign max 20% of wall area. | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 18 zones)

### NC - neighborhood commercial

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Generally Excluded From Regulation (no permit required) | — | Exempt signs under 20.68.020 include: residential-associated noncommercial signs (max 4 sq ft per side); governmental/traffic signs; public utility official signs; flags/pennants of government/nonprofit not used as advertising; integral decorative/architectural features without business identification/trademarks/moving parts/lights; private auto traffic signs on private property max 4 sq ft per side with no advertising; private pedestrian traffic signs max 4 sq ft per side with no advertising other than names of businesses/services on the property; school/church bulletin boards/ID/directional signs max 12 sq ft total and not internally illuminated; signs on currently licensed motor vehicles not primarily used as signs; noncommercial political/religious messages max 64 sq ft total and not internally illuminated; names/plaques integral to structure projecting no more than 2 inches; public information stations (kiosks/readerboards/freestanding signs or similar) max 32 sq ft per side and may have internal/external lighting subject to external lighting compliance. | — | — | — | Varies by exempt category in 20.68.020. | — | 20.68.020; 20.68.045 |
| Certain Temporary Real Estate For Sale/Lease/Rent Signs (Permit Exempt) | — | All other zones (including NC): max 32 sq ft per side; max 2 sides. | — | — | — | On real estate for sale/lease/rent. | — | 20.68.025(a)(1) |
| Certain Temporary Construction Site Identification Signs (Permit Exempt) | — | Max 32 sq ft per side. | — | — | Not more than one per site | Construction site. | — | 20.68.025(a)(2) |
| Temporary Signs Not Covered in 20.68.025(a) (Permit Exempt in GC/NC; applies to NC) | — | Total area max 50 sq ft (including all sides). | — | — | Any number, total area <=50 sq ft | On-site in GC/NC. | — | 20.68.220(a)(1) |
| Wall Sign (Total sign surface area on buildings in NC) | For buildings with more than one story: no sign higher than the second story windowsill level (upper floor window signs only for businesses exclusively above first floor). One-story cornice: no sign on/above cornice line. One-story parapet: no sign higher than highest point of roof. No roof surface sign except roof surfaces at angle >=75° regarded as wall space. Flush-mounted wall sign projection max 12 inches from building wall. | Max 300 sq ft per commercial establishment; also includes wall sign percentage cap: wall sign(s) may not exceed 20% of total wall surface area including windows/doors but excluding major projections such as awnings. | — | — | Per 20.68.030: no more than one business identification sign on any one side of a building unless separate entrances exception applies; additional blade/canopy/marquee options apply only in OTBD/GC/HC context and are not separate wall-sign allowances for NC beyond these general rules. | Attached to building walls. No roof placement allowed, except where a roof portion is treated as wall space under Ch. 20.68 sign regulations. | — | 20.68.210(a)-(b), 20.68.230(a)-(e), 20.68.240(a)-(g), 20.68.280(a)-(d), 20.68.030, 20.68.045, 20.68.010 |
| Freestanding Sign (Frontage/Entry Signs) - NC | 6 feet max height from ground level in NC. | Absolute caps: <200 ft -> 50 sq ft; 200-<400 -> 75 sq ft; >=400 -> 100 sq ft (plus 0.3 × linear ft baseline). | — | Setbacks per 20.48.040. | Max 1 freestanding sign per development; corner lot exception: 1 along each side bordered by public streets when >=100 ft frontage on each; double front lot exception: 1 on each side bordered by each of two public streets not intersecting at lot boundaries. | Freestanding sign placed on site with setbacks per 20.48.040 (building setback requirements). | — | 20.68.250(a)-(i), 20.68.280(a)-(d), 20.68.045, 20.68.010 |
| A-frame signs (sandwich board) - NC | 3 feet tall max. | Max size 2 ft wide × 3 ft tall. | 2 feet wide max. | — | Only one A-frame sign per business | Directly adjacent to business; not on public property except sidewalk/abutting building condition described. | — | 20.68.260 |
| Changeable Text Sign (Readerboard) - NC | — | Total aggregate surface area of changeable text signs <= 10% of the business' total allowable permitted signage (as calculated by 20.68.230). | — | — | Not numerically capped in text; subject to aggregate area cap of 10%. | On premises for the business. | — | 20.68.270 |

### GC - general commercial (GC)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Generally Excluded From Regulation (no permit required) | — | Exempt signs under 20.68.020 include: residential-associated noncommercial signs max 4 sq ft per side; governmental/traffic signs; public utility official signs; flags/pennants of government/nonprofit not used as advertising; integral decorative/architectural features without business identification/trademarks/moving parts/lights; private auto traffic signs on private property max 4 sq ft per side with no advertising; private pedestrian traffic signs max 4 sq ft per side with no advertising other than names of businesses/services on the property; school/church bulletin boards/ID/directional signs max 12 sq ft total and not internally illuminated; signs on currently licensed motor vehicles not primarily used as signs; political/religious messages max 64 sq ft total (32 per side) and not internally illuminated; public information stations max 32 sq ft per side; other exempt categories in 20.68.020. | — | — | — | As described in 20.68.020. | — | 20.68.020; 20.68.045 |
| Certain Temporary Real Estate For Sale/Lease/Rent Signs (Permit Exempt) | — | All other zones (including GC): max 32 sq ft per side; max 2 sides. | — | — | — | On the real estate. | — | 20.68.025(a)(1) |
| Certain Temporary Construction Site Identification Signs (Permit Exempt) | — | Max 32 sq ft per side. | — | — | Not more than one per site | Construction site. | — | 20.68.025(a)(2) |
| Temporary Signs Not Covered in 20.68.025(a) (Permit Exempt in GC/NC) | — | Total area <= 50 sq ft (including all sides). | — | — | Any number, total area <=50 sq ft | On-site in GC/NC. | — | 20.68.220(a)(1) |
| Wall Sign (Total sign surface area on buildings in GC/NC) | Location/height limits: for buildings >1 story: no sign above second story windowsill level (except upper floor window signs only for businesses exclusively above first floor). For one-story with cornice: no sign on/above cornice line. For one-story with parapet: no sign higher than highest point of roof. For all buildings: no sign on roof surface except roof at angle >=75° treated as wall space. Flush-mounted wall sign projection max 12 inches. | Key caps stated in 20.68.230(b): if first floor <50,000 sq ft -> max 500 sq ft total; if 50,001-<100,000 -> 600 sq ft; if 100,001-<200,000 -> 750 sq ft; if >=200,001 -> 1,000 sq ft. Also: in no case may a single wall sign exceed 500 sq ft. Wall sign(s) max 20% of wall area. | — | — | Per building side: max one business identification sign affixed to building on any one side unless separate entrances exception applies; also total allowed signage caps per building/leased space. | Attached to building wall (and not on roof surfaces, except treated wall-space). | — | 20.68.230(a)-(e), 20.68.240(a)-(g), 20.68.250(f), 20.68.280(a)-(d), 20.68.015, 20.68.030, 20.68.010 |
| Freestanding Sign (Frontage/Entry Signs) - GC | 15 feet max height from ground level in GC. | Absolute caps: <200 ft=50 sq ft; 200-<400=75 sq ft; >=400=100 sq ft plus 0.3×linear ft baseline. | — | Per 20.48.040. | Max 1 freestanding sign per development, with corner lot and double-front exceptions identical to 20.68.250(b). | Freestanding with setbacks per 20.48.040. | — | 20.68.250(a)-(i), 20.68.280(a)-(d), 20.68.045, 20.68.010 |
| A-frame signs - GC | 3 feet. | Max 2 ft wide × 3 ft tall. | 2 feet. | — | One per business | Directly adjacent to business; sidewalk only in abutting building condition. | — | 20.68.260 |
| Changeable Text Sign (Readerboard) - GC | — | Total aggregate surface area of changeable text signs <= 10% of business' total allowable permitted signage (as defined by 20.68.230). | — | — | Not explicitly capped; governed by aggregate surface cap. | On premises for the business. | — | 20.68.270 |

### OTBD-1 Zone

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Generally Excluded From Regulation (no permit required) | — | Exempt signs under 20.68.020 include: residential-associated noncommercial signs max 4 sq ft per side; governmental/traffic signs; flags/pennants for government/nonprofit not used in commercial promotion; integral decorative/architectural features without business identification/trademarks/moving parts/lights; private traffic signs max 4 sq ft per side; school/church bulletin boards/ID/directional signs max 12 sq ft total and not internally illuminated; political/religious message signs max 64 sq ft total and not internally illuminated; public information stations max 32 sq ft per side; other exempt categories in 20.68.020. | — | — | — | As per exempt categories in 20.68.020. | — | 20.68.020; 20.68.045 |
| Certain Temporary Real Estate For Sale/Lease/Rent Signs (Permit Exempt) | — | Non-residential zones: max 32 sq ft per side; max 2 sides (applies to OTBD-1 as all other zones besides residential). | — | — | — | On real estate. | — | 20.68.025(a)(1) |
| Certain Temporary Construction Site Identification Signs (Permit Exempt) | — | Max 32 sq ft per side. | — | — | Not more than one per site | Construction site. | — | 20.68.025(a)(2) |
| Temporary Signs Not Covered in 20.68.025(a) (Permit Exempt in OTBD-1) | — | Total area <= 50 sq ft (including all sides). | — | — | Any number, total area <=50 sq ft | On-site in OTBD-1. | — | 20.68.320(a)(1) |
| Wall Sign - Total sign surface area limits in OTBD-1 | For buildings >1 story: no sign above second story windowsill level (upper floor window signs only for businesses exclusively above first floor). For buildings with three or more stories: no sign higher than highest point of roof or lower than uppermost floor of uppermost story. One-story: no sign on/above cornice line; no sign higher than highest point of roof for parapet. No sign on roof surface except roofs at angle >=75° treated as wall space. Gas pump canopy: no sign on/above cornice line. Flush-mounted wall sign projection max 12 inches from building wall. | 300 sq ft max per commercial establishment. Wall sign(s) max area also limited by 20% of wall area including windows/doors but excluding major projections such as awnings; and in OTBD-1 where signs are not allowed above certain height under 20.68.340, the 20% must be calculated based solely on the area below that height limitation. | — | — | Per 20.68.030: max one business identification sign per building side unless separate entrances exception applies; marquee/blade/canopy exceptions may allow additional sign types in OTBD/GC/HC contexts. | Attached to building walls; no roof surface placement except treated wall space. | — | 20.68.330(a)-(e), 20.68.340(a)-(g), 20.68.380(a)-(d), 20.68.030, 20.68.045, 20.68.010 |
| Freestanding Sign - OTBD-1 | 15 feet max height from ground level. | 50/75/100 sq ft caps by frontage plus 0.3×linear ft baseline. | — | Per 20.48.040. | Max 1 freestanding sign per development; corner lot exception: 1 along each public-street side when >=100 ft frontage on each; double front lot exception: 1 on each side bordered by two public streets that do not intersect at lot boundaries. | Setbacks per 20.48.040; freestanding frontage/entry signs. | — | 20.68.350(a)-(h), 20.68.380(a)-(d), 20.68.020, 20.68.025, 20.68.045, 20.68.010 |
| A-frame signs - OTBD-1 | 3 feet max. | Max 2 ft wide × 3 ft tall. | 2 feet max. | — | One per business | Directly adjacent to business; sidewalk placement only under abutting building condition. | — | 20.68.360 |
| Changeable Text Sign (Readerboard) - OTBD-1 | — | Total aggregate surface area <= 10% of the business' total allowable permitted signage (using OTBD-1 building sign surface area total under 20.68.330). | — | — | Not explicitly capped; subject to aggregate area cap. | For the business. | — | 20.68.370 |

## Prohibited signs in Arlington

- No sign may be constructed, erected, moved, enlarged, illuminated, or substantially altered except in accordance with this chapter/section.
- Mere repainting or changing the message of a sign does not, by itself, constitute a substantial alteration (implying that substantial alterations still require compliance).
- No off-premises sign may be located in any district except those exempted from regulation/permit or specifically allowed (e.g., City-sponsored “City Center/ Welcome” signs and public service signs).
- No sign may be located so that it substantially interferes with motorists’ safe view at intersections or while entering/exiting public streets or private roads (including restriction on placement in a vehicular sight distance triangle).
- Signs that revolve or are animated, or that use movement/apparent movement to attract the attention of the public are prohibited (including banners/streamers/animated display boards/pennants/propellers); wind-only occasional movement not intended to attract attention is not prohibited.
- No sign may be erected so that, by its location, color, size, shape, nature, or message, it would tend to obstruct the view of or be confused with official traffic signs or other governmental signs.
- No sign or supporting structure may be located in or over any portion of a public right-of-way traveled by motor vehicles unless the sign is attached to a building structural element, all parts are higher than 15 feet above the right-of-way surface, and an encroachment permit is obtained.

## Signs exempt from permit in Arlington

- Signs not exceeding four square feet per side in area, customarily associated with residential use and not of a commercial nature (e.g., property identification names/numbers/occupants; mailbox/newspaper tube signs; private parking/trespass/danger warning signs).
- Signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental body (including legal notices, identification/informational signs, and traffic/directional/regulatory signs).
- Official signs of a noncommercial nature erected by public utilities.
- Flags, pennants, or insignia of any governmental or nonprofit organization when not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion or as an advertising device.
- Integral decorative/architectural building features or works of art, if they do not contain business identification/trademarks/moving parts/lights and are not displayed as commercial promotion or advertising.
- Automobile-traffic directing/guide signs on private property not exceeding four square feet per side and bearing no advertising matter.
- Pedestrian-traffic directing/guide signs on private property not exceeding four square feet per side and bearing no advertising matter other than names of businesses/services located on the property.
- School and church bulletin boards/identification/directional signs: not more than one per abutting street and 12 square feet total (six square feet per side) and not internally illuminated.
- Signs painted on or permanently attached to currently licensed motor vehicles that are not primarily used as signs.
- Religious, political, or other noncommercial message signs (not internally illuminated): not more than one per abutting street and 64 square feet total (32 per side) except those addressed by temporary-sign rules.
- Noncommercial building-name/comemorative plaques/tablets/similar signs carved into or integrally made as part of a structure (stone/concrete/bronze/aluminum/permanent-type construction) projecting no more than two inches from a wall or at grade when installed on the ground.
- Public information stations (kiosks, bulletin boards, readerboards, freestanding signs, or similar) used to convey community information not exceeding 32 square feet per side; may have changeable text/internal illumination/external lighting if external lighting complies with the lighting section; readerboards/freestanding signs require a building permit and must meet applicable building codes and setbacks from public rights-of-way.

## Sign permit fees & timelines in Arlington

| Item | Details | Citation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sign Permit (minimum fee) | $100 | cite: 8, 10 |

_The full published fee and review-timeline schedule for Arlington is available in PermitPal (free account)._

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 18 zoning districts in Arlington — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Arlington+WA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-arlington

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